Can Eastern Box Turtles eat Parsley?
Terrapene carolina · Petroselinum crispum
Caution
Weekly at most
Eastern box turtles are omnivores whose plant component benefits from variety, but parsley's very high oxalate content (1313mg/100g) can inhibit calcium uptake if fed frequently. Tortoise Trust's caution on oxalate-rich plants applies; occasional use is acceptable for this species.
Feeding frequency
Weekly at most
The short answer
Eastern box turtles are omnivores whose plant component benefits from variety, but parsley's very high oxalate content (1313mg/100g) can inhibit calcium uptake if fed frequently. Tortoise Trust's caution on oxalate-rich plants applies; occasional use is acceptable for this species.
Feeding it safely
How much / how often
Backed by sources
Reviewed by basking_research · June 2026
Basking is here to help you learn — it isn't veterinary advice. For anything specific to your animal, talk to a qualified exotic-animal vet.
← All Eastern Box Turtle foods